Riviero Maya - Dinner

Mixote $13.95 I asked the waiter for something with a strong flavor and he gave me the Mixote (steamed pork in a tomato sauce.) It was very tasty and was served with rice and beans and some mixed vegetables. Unfortunately the mixed vegetables were ICE cold, like they were taken straight from the refrigerator and laid on the plate. The waiter never came back to see how the food was until it was time to ask for dessert. He apologized and I expressed my displeasure again asking him to please tell the cook. He apologized again but did not offer anything. It was not until I was leaving that I saw he did not charge me for my cocktail. They have finished decorating the place and it is charming. New carved chairs from Mexico (which I found uncomfortable) the the decorative painting was complete. They menu has been simplified from last time. Riviero Maya is in what used to be Mama Roni's on 206 North of Branchville. It has a parking lot. I have been told by friends that they have been there and it was VERY crowded. Hopefully my next visit will be more pleasant.

Paraiso Restaurant - dinner

Chivo (Goat) $8.99? (I am guessing about the price since it was not on the dinner menu.) You can order your meal three ways (ala carte, or with rice, beans & salad, or with fries and yellow or green plantains. The goat (with many bones) was stewed in a tomato sauce. I ordered a coffee and also flan for dessert. The Paraiso Restaurant offers Dominican/Caribbean food from 7am until 10pm (or 11pm on weekends.) Yes, interesting enough, they also offer Dominican breakfast. Delivery is available for orders over $10.00. It is located in what used to be a pizza place in a strip mall on Spring Street, just down from the movie theatre and across from Rite Aide. The is a small but adequate parking lot in the back. Currently there is a small dining room with a buffet (for lunch.) They are working on finishing a larger dining room. Make sure you try this place to expand your food horizons and support locally owned businesses.

Chatterbox - Dinner

Chatterburger ($6.99) A nice sized burger (not frozen pattie) on a roll with lettuce, tomato and onion. It comes with one side of various things such as fries, coleslaw, applesauce etc. The burger was cooked as I asked - rare (I was surprised they did it.) It was moist which probably means greasy. I also ordered onion rings which were made of sliced onions... but they were overly greasy. I drank iced tea. For dessert I ordered a hot fudge sundae which was prepared perfectly. There service was TERRIBLE. Between each step of the process there was a long wait and the place was far from crowded. Other tables were being waited on much better than mine so I left significantly less than 20% which is something I rarely do. The entrance to the dinning room is confusing with a rope making two aisles. It is not clear which aisle to enter - I think you are supposed to go left because the register is on the right. It should be better marked. The atmosphere is of the 50's drive-in. There is plenty of parking. It is located north of Newton at the intersection of 206/15/ and 265.

Hampton Diner - Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie (10.95)
This is served in a large soup bowl with a circular piece of puff pastry laid on top (not baked on as usually presented.) The chicken stew underneath is full of potatoes, a few other vegetables and large pieces of chicken. For this price, along with the pot pie, comes soup, salad and a choice of several deserts. The Hampton Diner is trying to make itself more than a diner. It has a large parking lot and is located just north of Newton on Rte 206.

Millside Cafe - Breakfast

Western Omelet ($7.95)
The omelet was served with wonderful homefries, two slices of fresh orange, and two pieces of bread. I asked for whole wheat bread and it had a good flavor (not like the usual tasteless fiber like bread.) The omelet was cooked perfectly with onions, peppers and ham (cold cuts.) The atmosphere of the place was wonderful, in an old building with casual antiques. The Millside Cafe is in Lafayette - 12 Morris Farm Road (not Olde Lafayette Village) with parking and it is surrounded by antique shops. They also serve a nice Luncheon menu.. I will definitely be back for lunch.

JC's Grillhouse - Dinner

New York Sirloin steak ($20.00)
It was with great pleasure that I saw the change in their menu. They still have the large cuts of meat but they also have a 14 oz. and a 12 oz. steak for people who don't want to chew on half of a cow. Mine was the 12 oz. steak which I asked to be cooked medium rare. It was served with freshly cooked zucchini and smashed potatoes. The bread before the meal was excellent. The entire experience was wonderful. JC's is located in the former Spring House on Spring Street in Newton with parking on the street and a public lot behind. If you are looking for a wonderful dining experience that is not overpriced for what you are getting, go in and try out the new menu at JC's

Riviero Maya - Dinner

Camarones Verdes ($15.95)
After sitting, I was presented with tortilla chips and a salsa which looked freshly ground with a good hot bite to it. After studying the extensive menu for a while I told the waiter that I was tossed between two items. I could tell from his face that they were no his favorites. He asked if I was looking for shrimps, chicken or steak. After some discussion I placed my order for shrimp Verdes. It appears looking at the menu now that I got Camarones Borrachos. The meal was served with shrimp in a green sauce with onions and a strong taste of cilantro. The sauce was nice with a strong flavor but a little too salty for my taste. It was plated with rice and refried beans. I would have liked to see more refried beans. The main course had a nice bite to it although the menu stated their food was not served spicy unless requested. After the meal, I was offered a complimentary vanilla liquor. I enjoyed my meal and will definitely return. The menu offered wide variety of dinners plus the usual Mexican fare (tacos, chimicangas, burritos, enchilados, etc.) Riviero Maya is in the former Mama Roni's north of Newton on 206 in Branchville (almost across from the Yellow Cottage Bakery.) There is adequate parking in the lot and they have a liquor license (and bar) if that interests you. The dinning room is light and airy, painted in bright Mexican colors. This is only their first week open and some of the murals on the walls are not quite finished.